Avon Tyres is launching worldwide its new Trailrider mix-use adventure tire. During the final development stage, all those involved made it clear that the new model needed a very special celebration. Instead of fitting it to a few motorcycles built by well known builders, the British Manufacturer – who started producing tires in 1911 – decided to build the bike supposed to illustrate what the new Trailrider tire is all about.

Of course, the new Avon rubber claim is to outrun the competition on Adventure bikes of all types, twins, triple and V4. But it’s more than that. The Trailrider is intended to be a new bread of tires that you can ride either going to work, visiting the seaside shores or discovering new outback tracks. Hence 2 Trailrider X-Over versions in all standard roadster or scrambler sizes.

To blend different riding styles only on a one-off bike was the challenge and the briefing given to builder 6TM, a well known metal work company relying on the fabrication expertise of its founder Thierry Marie. The result is this crossover machine that doesn’t need much explanation. Based on a BMW F800ST, only engine, single-sided swingarm and wheels have been saved. The result is a machine as light as a single dual-sport bike with the sharp handling of a street fighter and metal shaped with some Café-Racer attitude.

About the most unusual parts of the Trailrider X-Over, Thierry Marie explains the front end: “The mechanical principle is not new. Since the 40’s, separating damping from steering has been engineered again and again. For this front end I got my inspiration from the Mirage F1 landing gear. Although we have applied for patents on many details, the most visible breakthrough is the fitting of the damper into the steering head. It allowed us to design a system that looks strong, high-tech but not too scary to handle” By just glancing at it you guess it should ride very nicely… Avon Moto

Nice to see everyone jumping into the “adventure” market. I’m planning a trip to Alaska with lots of pavement and lots of off-road (fire trails,..) and I’m interested in tires that can do both of these well.